The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

An 11-year-old girl does her best to
protect her mom’s new tenants as they run an animal-rescue center out of the
basement.

Most of the animals Duke and
Gabriella rescue are reptiles, including snakes. Snakes terrify Amelia’s mom,
so Amelia does her best to keep Duke and Gabriella’s project under wraps. When
a snake gets loose in Amelia’s house, however, the secret gets out, and her mom
decides to evict the couple. But Amelia has become increasingly involved with
the rescue operation, especially when her favorite tortoise, Winston, develops
a life-threatening illness. Winston needs expensive medicine, but Duke and
Gabriella are struggling financially. Amelia decides to try various fundraising
schemes but keeps coming up short. As more animals need rescuing and Winston’s
condition deteriorates, Amelia also hides a letter about a possible new home
for Duke and Gabriella because she doesn’t want them to leave. Citra keeps the
focus light, even with the illness of the turtle, and delivers some life
lessons with grace. The story neatly focuses on the passions not only of
Amelia, but also of Duke and Gabriella, in whom Amelia finds an extended family
after her parents’ divorce. It all comes together in a lovely little episode
that animal-loving young readers should especially find resonant.

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